Tributes have been paid to a loving mum-of-two after she lost her brave fight with cancer.

Single mother Sam McConnell, who lived in Lincoln, was courageously battling on despite doctors telling her she could have just weeks left to live after being diagnosed with highly advanced pancreatic cancer.

After her shock diagnosis the 46-year-old vowed to do all she could to create happy memories for Grace, 5, and Rory, 2, who were born after she spent £12,000 on IVF.

But sadly Miss McConnell, who had served in the RAF including at Digby, passed away on March 11, leaving all who knew her devastated.

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Tina Bussell, a friend from the pair’s time spent serving together in the RAF, said she couldn’t have met a nicer person.

“Sam was a vibrant member of her local community, taking part in choirs, musical mummies and other support groups in the city,” she said.

“Choosing to home educate her daughter Grace, Sam was part of a mutual supporting gang of likeminded parents.

“A testimony to her philosophy was to always be kind, and ensure no-one was lonely, Sam took her children along when befriending elderly neighbours.

“She encouraged everyone to offer a friendly word, or compliment to all, even strangers, as it may be the only human contact many people may have day to day.

"Sam could best be described as a bohemian spirit, loving to travel and learn about as many different cultures as possible, instilling a passion for adventure in not only her children but her friends too.”

One of her missions was to ride a bike and have pink hair (Image: Colin Moore)

Ms Bessell says her friend’s selfless attitude was appreciated by all who knew her.

She said: “If there was ever a jolly jape, a karaoke singalong, or party, you’d find Sam centre stage, having fun, dressing up in silly costumes and wigs, and encouraging others to join in.

“She could talk the hind leg off a donkey but equally was extremely interested in the lives of her friends around her.

“If you needed help, Sam was generous to a fault, and she attracted people to her. A light shone from within her that people could not help but like this vibrant and energetic woman.

“She was fiercely proud of her RAF heritage and service, and all those with whom she had served on operations around the world.”

Sam McConnell loved being a mum (Image: Submitted)

Despite her illness, Ms Bessell says her friend never let her two children stop being her main priority.

She said: “In typical Sam style, after receiving the diagnosis, she jumped into action sorting out the administrative side of death and care for her children and set about making herself as well as possible to make as many possible positive memories with her children.

“Swapping conventionality for kaftans, Sam’s direction to all was to not feel sorry for her, but to embrace life.”

That included successfully challenging a ruling from the RAF that would have seen her children not have access to her pension due to having no spouse or partner.

She successfully fought to receive a discretionary award of her pension to benefit her children, in a decision made by Secretary of State for Defence, Gavin Williamson.

Sam McConnel (Image: Submitted)

Sam’s former RAF colleague, Davina added: “Sammi was the friend who was always full of surprises, the friend who always had the time to listen and advise honestly from the heart.

“She always seemed to have energy to share, especially when it involved an adventure. She always had your back and encouraged you to fulfil your dreams.

“Even when faced with cancer, she never stopped being Sammi- inspiring others, spreading love and kindness and showing courage in the face of the worst adversary.

“Her spirit will live on in the hearts of all she touched, especially through her pride and joy, her children.”